The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations gets underway on 26 July with a packed group-stage schedule that will see 16 nations battle for places in the knockout rounds over 12 days of competition.

The expanded tournament brings together some of the continent’s strongest women’s national teams, including defending champions Nigeria, former finalists Ghana and Cameroon, alongside emerging sides such as Cape Verde and Tanzania.

Every team will play three group matches as they compete for qualification to the next stage.

The opening round of fixtures features several standout encounters, with Algeria facing Senegal before Morocco begin their campaign against Kenya on the opening day.

Opening matches launch the tournament

The action begins on 26 July with two Group A fixtures.

Algeria and Senegal will meet in the opening match before tournament hosts Morocco take on Kenya later in the evening.

The following day sees South Africa begin against Tanzania, while Ivory Coast face Burkina Faso in another important opening fixture.

Group C enters the competition on 28 July when Zambia meet Egypt before Nigeria, one of the tournament favourites, open their campaign against Malawi.

The final group joins the action on 29 July, with Ghana playing Cape Verde before Cameroon face Mali.

The staggered schedule ensures every group receives equal attention during the opening round of matches.

Key fixtures highlight the second round

The second series of group matches begins on 30 July, when Senegal face Kenya before one of the tournament’s biggest early contests sees Morocco take on Algeria.

South Africa then meet Ivory Coast on 31 July, while Burkina Faso face Tanzania.

Group C returns on 1 August as Egypt play Malawi before Nigeria meet Zambia.

Attention then switches to Group D on 2 August, with Ghana facing Cameroon and Mali taking on Cape Verde.

These fixtures could play a decisive role in determining which teams move closer to the knockout stage.

Final group matches promise dramatic finish

The group phase concludes between 3 and 6 August, with the final round of fixtures in each group kicking off simultaneously to ensure sporting fairness.

On 3 August, Kenya meet Algeria while Morocco face Senegal.

The following day brings Burkina Faso against South Africa and Tanzania versus Ivory Coast.

Group C concludes on 5 August, with Egypt taking on Nigeria while Malawi play Zambia.

The final day of the group stage, 6 August, features Cape Verde against Cameroon and Mali versus Ghana.

With qualification places likely to remain undecided until the closing fixtures, every point could prove decisive.

Race for the knockout stage

Each nation will play three group matches before the competition moves into the knockout rounds.

Traditional African powers will aim to confirm their status among the continent’s elite, while several emerging teams will hope to produce memorable performances and challenge more established opponents.

The expanded format offers more countries the opportunity to compete on Africa’s biggest women’s football stage, adding further significance to every fixture throughout the group phase.

Supporters can expect a busy schedule filled with regional rivalries, established contenders and ambitious newcomers as the battle for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy begins.

Women’s AFCON 2026 group stage fixtures

Opening round (26–29 July)

26 July

• 17:00 – Algeria vs Senegal
• 20:00 – Morocco vs Kenya

27 July

• 17:00 – South Africa vs Tanzania
• 20:00 – Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso

28 July

• 17:00 – Zambia vs Egypt
• 20:00 – Nigeria vs Malawi

29 July

• 17:00 – Ghana vs Cape Verde
• 20:00 – Cameroon vs Mali

Second round (30 July–2 August)

30 July

• 17:00 – Senegal vs Kenya
• 20:00 – Morocco vs Algeria

31 July

• 17:00 – South Africa vs Ivory Coast
• 20:00 – Burkina Faso vs Tanzania

1 August

• 17:00 – Egypt vs Malawi
• 20:00 – Nigeria vs Zambia

2 August

• 17:00 – Ghana vs Cameroon
• 20:00 – Mali vs Cape Verde

Final round (3–6 August)

3 August

• 20:00 – Kenya vs Algeria
• 20:00 – Senegal vs Morocco

4 August

• 20:00 – Burkina Faso vs South Africa
• 20:00 – Tanzania vs Ivory Coast

5 August

• 20:00 – Egypt vs Nigeria
• 20:00 – Malawi vs Zambia

6 August

• 20:00 – Cape Verde vs Cameroon
• 20:00 – Mali vs Ghana